Central Coast Council has released 43 new dog exercise area maps that clearly show where people can take their dogs in the Coast’s south.

The new maps reflect the current on and off leash areas, as well as dog prohibited areas that were identified as part of the latest Dogs in Open Spaces Strategy.

The Strategy was developed following extensive community consultation to determine the most appropriate ways for Council to cater for the needs of dog owners and encourage responsible pet ownership.

Manager of Culture Phil Cantillon said the new maps will not only better inform dog owners, but also people who do not own a dog.

“Some 3000 people have been involved in direct discussions over the past five years to inform this Strategy,” said Mr. Cantillon.

“Feedback from the community showed that dogs are an extremely important part of people’s lives and there is general support for off leash areas in parks and on beaches.

“However, community feedback also highlighted that awareness about off leash dog exercise areas and dog prohibited areas at beaches, parks and other natural areas needs to be improved.

“These new maps have been designed so that anyone can easily locate Council’s 34 off leash exercise areas in parks and nine off leash areas on beaches in the Coast’s south,” he said.

The maps are available online at gosford.nsw.gov.au/dogmaps

“Some of the maps have also been turned into signs and installed at a number of popular dog exercise areas including Terrigal, Avoca, Copacabana, MacMasters and Umina beaches, Pippi Point in Davistown and Peppermint Park in Kariong,” Mr Cantillon added.

“Establishing quality, consistent and visible signage was another key recommendation of the Strategy.

“These changes and initiatives are all aimed at encouraging responsible dog ownership in open spaces and increasing community awareness.”

Detailed environmental assessments were required to determine the most appropriate dog exercise spaces in certain areas including Copacabana/MacMasters Beach, Avoca/North Avoca Beach and Pippi Point, Davistown.

Following an additional public exhibition period in which 96 submissions were received, these areas were adopted by Council.

Across the entire Central Coast, Council provides 58 dog exercise areas at many of the region’s beaches and parks.